Barbecuing became a Southern tradition before the Civil War, when wild hogs were routinely hunted and cooked whole. Barbecuing today is a popular catering theme for banquet celebrations such as weddings and reunions. Catering your barbecue means you don’t have to buy the equipment or prepare the food. Plus, your barbecue will be cooked by a professionally trained chef. If you’re considering having a catered barbecue, brush up on popular terms both on and off the menu.

Party platter – A party platter is a large plate of food, and is arranged for people to get what they want buffet-style. A barbeque platter may be comprised of chicken wings, split-roasted chicken, lamb chops, ribs, grilled cocktail shrimp or tri-tip sandwiches.

Pig picking – A pig picking is a meal in which a whole pig is cooked, and everyone literally picks the pieces of meat they want off the pig.

Smoker grill – This piece of equipment is the preferred method of barbecuing in restaurants. Smoking meat is a slow process that delivers a husky, delectable flavor.

Barbecue can include several unique cooking and preparation methods. Many of the barbecue food and catering companies that serve your area will have a selection of meats on their menus, including chicken, pork, fish, and beef. The type of foods that each restaurant has, though, often depends on what style of barbecue they focus on.
Most barbecue restaurants smoke or grill their meats to get the flavor that they want. Both of these cooking methods, however, can use various items as the source of heat. Some of the most common cooking sources include charcoal, wood chips, and propane. This allows the chefs to cook burgers, ribs, tri-tips, and sandwich meats in smokers, pits, and grills.
Many barbecue food and catering companies also use marinades to improve the flavors of their recipes. Marinades and rubs are applied to the meat a day or more before it is cooked. Over time, the chicken, beef, pork, and fish absorbs the flavor of the sauce.
Not all diners and restaurants cater parties or special events. Even those that do might not have the full menu available for the party. The types of recipes that they bring largely depends on whether they have the facilities to produce the braised vegetables, grilled meats, and sauces that you want for your guests.
You can find the names of barbecue restaurants and caterers in your area by using an internet search engine. Depending on the amount of information they post on their web sites, though, you might have to contact them to get individualized quotes and menus before you decide which one to hire.